There is a strange noise coming from the tapedeck of my HV30. (besides the high pitched noise which is default with this camcorder)

This happens only when there is a tape inside in playback or recording mode.
It happens when the tape is playing (playback/recording mode) and when it is on pause/stop (recording mode) . Only when there is a tape inside.

Sometimes it is so loud that it is really ruining my recordings using either the build-in mic or a rode videomic.

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Listen with headphones. The sound comes and goes. Every few seconds.

I suspect something is wrong with the mechanism that drives the tape, but i am not sure?
Also, i don't recall hearing this noise in my first recordings.

Any idea?

Happy new year

Did you try a different brand of tape?

I tried both TDK and Sony.

That shouldn't be happening, but then you probably knew that. It's hard to diagnose from a simple sound so all I can offer is the random suggestion of running a head cleaner through your machine. There could be some debris on the head drum, but I don't think that's likely.

If your unit is still under warranty, you might want to send it in for service before it expires if you don't end up figuring it out yourself.

Hi Chris,

I've got the exact same problem with my Dutch HV30...

Can you contact me via email to tell me what you did about this problem so far? I'm thinking about sending it in to Canon for warranty, but that will take a long while I guess...

Thanks!

Caspar (NL)

Same here. I think this is the motor. It is designed this way.
I use a Rode VideoMic and still I hear it.
Not always but is there.

Anyone can do the following test.

With a Video Mic and with headphones volume turned all the way up,

just place your hand in front of the mic and touch the wind sreen.

Hit rec and you will hear it.

The same goes if you cover the build in mic with your hand.

It's there.

If this is default then it is pretty loud and imho an unusable camcorder. :( I hope there is a fix. Caspar, i will contact you.

This is limited when there is enough sound in the environment.
It is most noticeable when it's quietly and the camera records general sound with no "target" in front of the mic. It can also be better if you use the manual gain to control the sound.

Hi

I can even hear it when i am out on the street and interviewing people. (with a rode mic on the HV30) IT is very bad.

Anyway. I sent the camera back, and received it after one month. Problem still persist.
Thinking about selling the camera.